CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary Programme 2026 for Young South Africans

Applications are now open for the 2026 CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary Programme. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.

About CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary Programme

Opportunity Details

Date Published: July 30, 2025
Application Deadline: August 29, 2025
Category: Bachelors Undergraduate
Eligible Locations: South Africa

The CSIR, in collaboration with the Sasol Foundation, provides financial support to full-time, unemployed students seeking qualifications in areas that are deemed a priority by the CSIR.

The bursary is open to academically qualifying young people and aims to attract and increase the participation of women, black individuals and people with disabilities in science, engineering and technology, specifically in the areas of study mentioned below:

Areas for an Undergraduate Bursary

Mechatronic Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electronic Engineering
Computer Science
Chemical Engineering
Material Flow Analysis
Process Engineering/Life cycle assessment
Information Technology
Data Science
Industrial Engineering
Genetics/Cell Biology
System Engineering

Obligations

You are obligated to work back a year that the CSIR and Sasol Foundation have funded.

Sponsor Organisation: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

Benefits of CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary Programme

This is a comprehensive bursary, and it covers all the costs associated with university studies, such as:

For undergraduates

Registration fees
Tuition fees
Books
Accommodation
Living allowances
Once-off laptop allowance

Academic merit will be considered during the selection process, and it is imperative to increase the participation of women, black individuals and people with disabilities in science, engineering and technology.

CSIR-Sasol Foundation students will also receive additional support through the following initiatives:

Recognition of top performing students – CSIR Excellence Awards, certificates and gifts handed out;
Possible work placement opportunities at the CSIR and other affiliated organisations;
Interview skills training offered to final year students in preparation for the world of work;
Opportunity to work on real-life projects that address socioeconomic challenges through your research (CSIR co-supervision);
Onboarding session and an opportunity to meet the CSIR and Sasol Foundation team;
Psychosocial support (e.g. academic and psychological support);
Student wellness programme;
Opportunity to be paired with senior CSIR professionals through a mentorship programme; and
Vacation work opportunities of up to six (6) weeks per annum.

CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary Programme Requirements

Current Grade 12 learners:

South African citizen;
Must intend to enrol full-time for the degree of choice at a South African public university;
English (Level 5);
Mathematics (Level 6); and
Physical Science (Level 6).

Current university students:

Must be a South African citizen;
Planning to enrol full-time at a South African university for 2025; and
Must have passed all registered courses for the completed study period at the university.

The following documents must accompany your application: